APPLICATIONS for the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026 are now open.
During the launch of the awards at its headquarters in Suva yesterday, SPBD managing director Lorraine Seeto said the award is celebrated for its courage over fear, determination, over adversity and hope over limitation.
She said it has recognised ordinary women who have achieved extraordinary things through hard work, perseverance and a belief that a better future is possible.
She said this year’s theme “Empowering Women, Strengthening Teams, Shaping Sustainable Futures” is aligned well with SPBD’s vision of improving the quality of life of families, providing financial services to underserved women and its values of respect, integrity, excellence and teamwork.
“Since opening our doors over two decades ago, SPBD Fiji has remained steadfast in its mission to provide opportunities for women to improve their lives through financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and personal development,” Ms Seeto said.
“Guided by our vision of improving the quality of life of our members, their families and communities, we have seen thousands of women transform small beginnings into successful businesses that continue to enrich lives,” she said.
This year’s award will feature eight categories, divided into individuals and the achievements by SPBD centres. They are: Individual Awards: SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Award, Centre Chief of the Year, Centre Secretary of the Year, Financial Education Facilitator of the Year, Individual Saver of the Year.
Centre Awards: Centre of the Year, Centre Saver of the Year and the New Centre of the Year.
The SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Awards Night will be held on October 30, 2026 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
The microfinance institution recently marked a remarkable milestone, having surpassed the loan disbursement mark of $150 million since its inception in 2010, supporting women entrepreneurs across Fiji.
In the first six months of this year alone – from January 5 to June 18, the institution disbursed a total of $8.1m in loans to 2994 women entrepreneurs across Fiji.
SPBD managing director Lorraine Seeto (middle)with SPBD members after the launch of the SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Award 2026. Picture: KARISHMA KUMARI.
